Eracent has created "add-on" or additional "snap-ins" for the SMS collection process in place within SMS collection environments. This system is not a replacement for the SMS agent, but becomes an integrated process with SMS.

When SMS runs, the Eracent code will collect the necessary input data that the EnterpriseAM analysis and reporting intelligence engines require to generate the detailed software inventory data. Eracent's back-end integration solution combines Eracent EnterpriseAM's advanced data collection and reporting capabilities with Microsoft SMS' superior software distribution technology.

By coupling EnterpriseAM with SMS, an organization benefits from the efficiencies of SMS combined with the extreme accuracy of the EnterpriseAM software inventory process. In pairing the two software packages the SMS agent is used to collect the required data, which is then processed by EnterpriseAM using Eracent's Intelligence Engine.

By utilizing Eracent's powerful software identification intelligence engine the functions needed for patch management and effective software license management are consolidated into a single tool. Eracent enhances this integration even further by automating the reconciliation of software purchased against software deployed, providing IT professionals with one central command point for true Asset Management capability.

Commenting on this new advanced capability, Walt Szablowski, Eracent's President, said: "I believe that we have created something that adds great value to the vast number of companies who use Microsoft SMS as part of their IT operations. Eracent can help them leverage their existing investment and gain the benefits of an extremely detailed and accurate software inventory database"

Eracent's add-on solution leverages data collection and data transport capabilities in environments that already enjoy the widespread use and benefits of Microsoft SMS. By enhancing Microsoft SMS' data collection capabilities, and augmenting the software inventory data currently collected by the Microsoft SMS client, Eracent is able to employ its intelligence engine to provide the enterprise with detailed software information. By combining the advantages of Microsoft SMS and Eracent Enterprise the capabilities of each respective tool are preserved and new functionality becomes available to the IT professional.